Matt Hardigree

Scion hoped to capitalize on the buzz over its new Scion FR-S sports car by offering the first cars to 86 randomly selected individuals who applied at a Scion website. Great idea… except the winners still know nothing about the car they're buying.

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Scion VP Jack Hollis announced the "Scion First 86" contest at last week's Detroit Auto Show. People applied yesterday at scionfirst86.com for a chance to be one of the first 86 owners or get some undisclosed "special prizes."

As part of the deal you had to select a local dealer, which is a clever way by Scion to judge geographic desire for the new two-door — as well as build buzz.

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A Jalopnik reader — who we'll call John to protect his identity — entered and was one of the individuals selected. He was sent the email above and, according to John, was called by Scion corporate. Here's how he remembers the conversation:

Scion: "Congratulations, you're one of our First 86! You won the ability to
buy the FRS early!!"
John: "How early?"
Scion: "I'm sorry, we don't know that."
John: "Okay, can you tell me the price?"
Scion: "The price has not been announced."
John: "What options for the car will I have?"
Scion: "I don't know the options either."

So Scion is asking buyers to put $500 down for a car without knowing how much it'll cost, when they can get it, or what options it'll have other than the pre-selected color and transmission.